2026 Corks & Caps Live Auction Items

Once again, Corks & Caps will feature unique and outstanding items and experiences available in our live auction. There will also be fantastic baskets in our raffle, so be sure to bring some raffle ticket dollars!


For most items, click the item title for a website link with additional information.


ALL proceeds from this event directly benefit Seven Ponds Nature Center.

Experience life behind the barn doors with a private tour of a real working dairy farm in Ortonville! Your group of up to twenty people will enjoy a guided, behind-the-scenes walking tour of this family-owned farm and its on-site dairy processing plant. Along the way, sample their rich chocolate milk and a deliciously creamy ice cream cone. Tour to be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date. Courtesy of Cooks Farm Dairy

My Best Friend - Feed Real Canine Nutrition Class

Give your dog the nutrition it deserves with a personalized canine nutrition consultation. Learn how to support your dog’s health at every life stage with guidance on fresh and raw feeding, navigating pet food choices, managing sensitivities, and building healthier bowls tailored to your pup’s needs. Good for up to three dogs and their owners. Consultation to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date by December 31, 2026 and will take place at the winning bidder’s home or virtually. Courtesy of Kelsey Boomer, Licensed Veterinary Technician and Certified Canine Nutritionist.

Ford Michigan Proving Grounds Motorized Tour

Go behind the scenes at Ford Michigan Proving Grounds with a private tour for up to six guests. Explore one of Ford Motor Company’s legendary testing facilities, where vehicles are pushed to their limits and future innovations come to life. This 2.5-hour experience offers a unique look at automotive development, engineering, and performance testing. Tours are available on Wednesdays and Fridays starting at 9:00 AM. Valid through October 23, 2026. Courtesy of Michigan Proving Grounds.

Pontoon on the Ponds

All aboard for a pontoon ride around the lakes! Your boat trip will start at the Seven Ponds dock on Treetop Pond, where you will meet your captain. A Seven Ponds naturalist will be on board to provide interesting interpretation of the Seven Ponds waterways and ecosystem. Wine and snacks will be provided. The boat ride will be 1.5-2 hours in duration and is good for a party of four. Swimming is optional! Cruise will take place on a mutually agreed upon date, and must be redeemed prior to September 30, 2026. Provided courtesy of Mike Ross (Ross Home Solutions), Sherry Ross (Realtor-Brokaw Group), and the Zach Family (Swiss Farms).

 Dinner for Six in The Man Cave

 Greg and Evelyn Slagon are throwing open the doors to Greg's legendary Man Cave Metamora Barn for an epic Dinner for Six — and trust us, you do NOT want to miss this one. We're talking amazing food, fantastic drinks, awesome company, and lively conversation. And just when you think it can't get any better - dessert moves to the Great Room of their home for a sweet finish to the night. As the legendary Cookie from City Slickers (1991) put it best: "You ain't gonna get any nouveau, amandine, thin crust, bottled water, sauteed city food. Food's brown, hot, and plenty of it." This is real-deal, good-time fun! So don't sleep on this one. Bid high, bid often, and claim your spot before someone else does! Event to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date by October 1, 2026. Courtesy of Greg and Evelyn Slagon.

The Henry Ford is an internationally recognized history destination that brings the past forward by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation that helped shape America. Celebrate the sights, sounds, and sensations of America's past in Greenfield Village or discover the amazing ideas and innovation awaiting you and your guests in the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Includes four (4) admissions to your choice of the Museum or Village. Valid through 4/21/2027. Courtesy of The Henry Ford.

Begin your day with a bird walk through the tranquil trails of this 87-acre estate. Your Grosse Pointe Audubon host will help to identify Michigan’s year-round and seasonal avian residents. Following the bird walk, a knowledgeable guide will lead you through a tour of this historic estate, sharing fascinating stories about the Ford family. This experience for four guests includes a $100 gift certificate to dine at The Continental, the on-site restaurant overlooking Lake St. Clair and is good for a mutually agreed upon day within one year. Provided courtesy of The Ford House and Trina Bresser-Mattous, Grosse Pointe Audubon.

Enjoy a private weekday lunch tour for six where you will receive a personal guided walk of the museum along with lunch with the staff. Stahls has over 100 cars on display, from the 1886 Daimler prototype to the muscle cars of the 1960s with special emphasis on the great cars of the 1930s and 1940s, a period of style and constant evolution. The Stahl Collection is home to a number of restored and operational automated musical instruments dating from the early 20th century. See and hear these incredible, magical, music machines. You will have access to the museum for up to two hours on a weekday to be agreed upon by the staff. Valid until June 20, 2027. Provided courtesy of Stahls Automotive Foundation. 

Bluebird Nest Box Tour and Lunch

Get a front-row seat to one of nature's most captivating stories as we peek inside the nest boxes along our trail! We’ll begin the afternoon with a picnic lunch and an introduction to bluebirds and other cavity-nesters. Learn why they depend on nest boxes to thrive, and why monitoring those boxes improves their success. Then we’ll hit the trail for a hands-on exploration. We’ll peek into nest boxes to see what's happening inside during the height of nesting season. From eggs to hatchlings to fledglings, every box holds a surprise! Includes a one-year membership to the Michigan Bluebird Society and a copy of The Secret Lives of Bluebirds, an exclusive video documentary. This three-hour experience is good for four people on a mutually agreed-upon date during prime nesting season, May 1 through July 31, in either 2026 or 2027. It will take place at either Seven Ponds or at the home of your hosts, Kelly & Chris Heyner, (three miles south of Seven Ponds) depending on nesting activity. Courtesy of Kelly & Chris Heyner.

Take in a morning of fishing at Hunters Creek Club! Your group of up to six people will board a pontoon boat for a half-day of fishing at this beautiful location. All equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own tackle. Also includes breakfast provided by the club. Provided courtesy of Hunters Creek Club.

Outdoor Movie Night

"Drive In Movie" style evening at Old Magnolia Farm on Hosner in Oxford, home of Diane & Ken Mathies. Simple picnic dinner (with beer/wine!) and plenty of popcorn from a bona fide movie house machine. View the 16 x 20 foot screen while seated on the lawn in lieu of cars. Package is good for up to a dozen (or so!) people for a mutually agreed upon date and movie in early summer or late fall of 2026. Courtesy of Diane & Ken Matheis and Kim & Heidi Mehl.

Property Inventory of Plants with a Seven Ponds Naturalist

Seven Ponds’ expert naturalists will conduct an inventory of your property to help you reach your goals. Would you like to plant for birds or butterflies? Are you interested in managing invasive plants? Do you simply want to know what you have? Many satisfied clients from previous inventories can attest to the quality and helpfulness of this unique service. Valid through June 30, 2027. Provided courtesy of the Naturalists of Seven Ponds

Enjoy an exclusive and inviting dinner at this unique cabin, located at the country club. Start with a car ride to the cabin, where a warm bonfire awaits, hors d'oeuvres are served, and a scrumptious four course meal ensues. Good for up to eight guests, October 1, 2026, through March 15, 2027. Reservations subject to rescheduling due to weather or accessibility. Courtesy of the Metamora Golf & Country Club.

Birding Adventure and Picnic Lunch for Four

Experienced field trip leader, Joanna Pease, will lead a nature and birding walk at the Port Huron State Game Area. Winning bidder may select from either a spring trip to see early migrants or a fall trip to experience autumn’s vibrant colors! Port Huron State Game Area has habitat unique to southeast Michigan: ravines with hemlock and hardwood forests along the Black River and Mill Creek with many breeding birds that are otherwise difficult to find in this area and many migrants especially in the spring. There are lovely scenic views overlooking the river, beautiful trails with mature large trees and interesting botany with a profusion of wild flowers in the spring. Fall colors are lovely. The trip is for four people with picnic lunch included and will last from approximately 8 AM to early afternoon on a mutually agreed upon date. Joanna will meet you at Bearrs Memorial Park, 5240 Wildcat Rd., North Street, MI 48049, and then will drive you in her car to the sights. Provided courtesy of Joanna Pease.